Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) II have snapped up the services of English-born striker Darren Lok after the player was reportedly considered by national team head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee of making an appearance for Harimau Malaysia against Timor-Leste earlier this month.
The 25 year-old was in line to make his international debut for his country during the Asian Cup play-off matches at the Larkin Stadium, but he failed to obtain his citizenship in time.
Darren Lok becomes the second player to join the Malaysia Premier League (MPL) club after Brazilian centre-back Rafael Jesus Bonfim signed for the club two weeks ago. He has been training with them since May and was invited by Mario Gomez to train with the first team.
“I am delighted to be joining this club in my short time here. I can already tell what a great club this is with great fans,” Darren Lok said on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page.
Johor Darul Ta’azim sports director Alistair Edwards has praised for striker for his abilities.
“He (Darren) is a player with speed and clever moment and the plan for him is to play for the second team for the remainder of the season to facilitate his adaptation to our football.
“We are very excited with his talent and look forward to see him in action very soon.”
Darren Lok is eligible to play for Malaysia because of his Malaccan-based father. He moved to England at 21 and played for sixth-tier Conference South League side Eastbourne Borough.
He is targeting a place in the squad for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of the year.
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